Environmental Science and Leadership

If you enjoy the adventures in the out-of-doors and are curious to learn about the interactions of flora, fauna and the environment, consider the Environmental Science and Leadership degree program.

The Environmental Science and Leadership (ESL) degree program is provided through a partnership with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). This unique program combines the wilderness experience courses offered through NOLS, with a rigorous science curriculum offered through CWC. The wilderness experience courses are designed to develop skills and attitudes consistent with NOLS philosophies on environmental awareness and conservation. The CWC science courses form the basis of a sound two-year program in natural science.

The core of this program is a NOLS semester course for CWC credit in which you must concurrently enroll in the following courses: BIOL 2045 Natural History of Regional Ecosystems, EDUC 2050 Outdoor Education and Leadership , and G&R 2050 Environmental Ethics and Management. Longer semesters will also include the required Wilderness First Responder (HLED 2010).

Consult the NOLS website or catalog for specific dates, locations, and formats of outdoor leadership semesters, or directly contact the National Outdoor Leadership School at 307-332-5300. For detailed course descriptions on specific courses and seasons go to www.nols.edu. Registration is coordinated through the CWC Registrations and Records Office.

Contact admissions@nols.edu for availability and application forms for NOLS courses. All wilderness courses require students to have the physical ability to carry a 65 pound backpack and hike 70-100 miles in rugged wilderness terrain. Regardless of the wilderness experience, four recurring themes are stressed: judgment and safety; leadership and expedition behavior; outdoor skills; and environmental ethics.

The Environmental Science and Leadership program is excellent preparation for leadership careers in natural resources and environmental science. A bachelor’s degree prepares you for work as an environmental field technician, conservation scientist, wildlife technician, community organizer or as a teacher of environmental science.

Consistent with its mission to value diversity and to treat all individuals with dignity and respect, Central Wyoming College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its educational program services or activities. The college makes reasonable accommodations to serve students with special needs and offers services to students who have the ability to benefit.